Tooth Brushing Techniques

Though it only takes a few minutes each day, brushing your teeth is one of the best ways to take care of your oral health. It’s one of the easiest ways to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases. You’ll be able to get rid of plaque and bacteria. But there’s no one correct method of brushing your teeth. There are lots of options for you to try. 

Bass/Sulcular 

This method is known for being able to remove plaque and stop the build-up of tartar. To begin, you will need to align the brush with your gums. Then, turn it 45-degrees, so the bristles are just below the gumline. 

You’ll need to maintain the pressure under the gums while wiggling the toothbrush back and forth. Repeat this motion 20 times, then move on to the next area, until you’ve worked your way around the mouth. Repeat this procedure on the inside of the mouth. 

To finish, brush the chewing surface. Make sure that the final brush is upwards. This moves any debris away from the gums. This video shows you how to perform the Bass/Sulcular brushing technique. 

Stillman

This is a variation on the Bass approach. In this case, you will need to brush under the gums. But, before you move on, brush along the chewing surface. As you are doing this, you’ll need to move the brush from left to right. Half of the brush should be on the tooth; the other half should be on the gums. 

Charter Technique

This option is recommended for those who are missing teeth or have had periodontal surgery. You will need to start with the toothbrush pointed at a 45-degree angle, facing towards the tooth. If you have an orthodontic bracket, like braces, you will need to brush underneath it. Gently move the brush back and forth. After 20 strokes, you can move on to the next area. 

Then, you’ll need to brush the top and back of the tooth. Start with the chewing area, moving the brush in small, concentric circles. Then, move to the back of the teeth, rubbing it along the back of the tooth. Repeat this for 20 strokes, then move on. This video shows you how you can implement this tooth brushing method. 

Brushing With Braces

Brushing with braces can pose a unique challenge. It will be a little more challenging to get all the debris out of your teeth. The good news is that you will just need to adapt your technique a little. 

First, you should start by rinsing. This is a good way of getting rid of any loose debris. Then, brush with a wet toothbrush. It’s usually easier to use the Charter method. This will allow you to see plaque and other debris, so you can target these areas more effectively. Then, you’ll need to add toothpaste. This helps to protect against cavities. You won’t need a lot of toothpaste. Often, you’ll just need a pea-sized amount.

Most people will only need to brush their teeth twice a day. But if you have braces, you will need to brush more regularly. This is because the braces can catch food. Having this pressed against your teeth is very irritating and can cause cavities. You might need to brush your teeth after each meal. 

General Tooth Brushing Advice

While the technique you are using is important, there are a few other ways you can make sure that you are brushing your teeth effectively. 

The next thing that you need to consider is how often you are brushing your teeth. You should do it at least twice a day. Once in the morning, after you’ve had your breakfast. Then, brush again after dinner, just before you go to bed. 

Brushing is a good start, but it isn’t the only thing you need to do. You’ll also need to make sure that you are flossing your teeth. This will help you get rid of material that has become wedged in between cracks in the teeth. There are a few ways that you can floss your teeth. You can use dental floss. Though people are increasingly turning to waterpiks, which shoot a strong jet of water through your teeth. 

Don’t forget about cleaning the tongue. You’ll need to use a tongue scraping tool. If you don’t have one, you will be able to use a spoon. Then, just move from the back of the tongue to the front. After each time, clean the debris off the scraper. Keep doing this until the whole tongue has been cleaned. This resource has more advice about tongue scraping and its health benefits. 

Finally, you should finish this process with mouthwash. This will allow you to get rid of any other debris. Plus, it’s a good way of protecting yourself from cavities. 

Tips on Finding a Good Toothbrush

Your brushing technique is only as good as the brush that you are using. While there are plenty of toothbrushes on the market, there is also a huge array of low-quality options. Here are some of the ways that you can find a high-quality toothbrush that suits your style. 

First, you should be looking for a soft-bristled toothbrush. This is often more comfortable than a hard brush which scrapes at your teeth. These types of brushes are also best for your teeth. They will be better at removing enamel and protecting the gums. 

When you are using an electric toothbrush, there are other elements to consider. For example, you will need to think about the battery life. Sometimes, they will even come with different cleaning modes and the ability to connect them with your smartphone. If you need more help finding the right one for you, check out this list of good toothbrushes for braces. 

Conclusion

The technique you are using can have a big impact on your oral hygiene. These methods will allow you to cover the whole tooth, removing any plaque, tartar, and debris. So, perfect your tooth brushing so you can smile with confidence.